Reflections of a late leaper

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He was perfect in his imperfections … and he had only one question. Are you enjoying life? Because he sure was. I met him when I was setting up to teach a class that Thursday afternoon by the pool. He was swimming that day with other individuals who were developmentally challenged. With eyes that sparkled and a contagious smile, he introduced himself to me and asked the question that lit up my day. Are you enjoying life? If the answer wasn’t enthusiastic enough for him, well, he would tell you. For him, life was just one big adventure.. a never-ending party. And he wanted EVERYONE to enjoy the party.

The lifeguard told me about his other side with a smile. He was also their “informant.” But he wasn’t a snitch. He was a broadcaster of only good news about the people he knew. He shined a light on their “awesomeness” and, in so doing, lifted us all up.

And so it was with me. My day was infinitely better by this chance encounter with an individual who reminded me how much I have to be grateful for. He showed me our limitations don’t define us. We define ourselves. He called upon me to release the shackles of inadequacy, fear, and regret. He exhorted me to seek out and eagerly broadcast the good in people. He inspired me to ditch mere existence for a life fully lived and to love without abandon.

But mostly.. he reminded me that that beauty is imperfect and that we all are perfect in our imperfections.